Hanoi, Vietnam: Turtle as Myth

The Famous Lake Turtle, as photographed by Alice.

Vietnamese men LOVE this game.

Calligraphy for tourists, just for a small fee.

Elderly woman praying to Buddha, outside of the temple where people pray to the general.
Not so many people praying to Buddha in Hanoi, as in more Central and Southern Vietnam.

December 31, 2010

At the center of Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, just a couple blocks from our hotel. I’d jog there every morning in Hanoi. Our guide took us there to walk over the red bridge to an island with Ngoc Son Temple on it. Since it’s Hanoi, where they revere military leaders as much as Buddha, the temple was dedicated to worshipping a famous general, who saved Vietnam from the French, as it’s told. Many Vietnamese were praying to this general in the temple.

While the guide gave an unmemorable description of the general, he downright glowed when he passionately described the HUGE turtle said to live in the lake. Turtles are one of 5 sacred legendary animals in Vietnam including: Phoenix, Unicorn (Looks like a bird/lion/dragon mix without much of a horn), fish, dragon, and the turtle. Just because it’s sacred doesn’t mean they don’t heartlessly kill it live then eat it on the streets of Hanoi, though. But, it is said that there is a huge old turtle in the lake and he comes out rarely, but when he does he blesses everyone, bringing good luck. See the picture above of the legendary turtle in gold. At a recent celebration of the turtle next to the lake, the old turtle is said to have emerged from the lake, still putting a smile on the face of all in Hanoi.

And, people in Hanoi deserve to feel lucky, but it’s really through their grit, determination, efficiency, and incredible hard work that their town and country is just plain BOOMING!

You can see New Year’s Eve was the busiest day of our trip. We did EVERYTHING. Hence it wasn’t a disappointment to be blogging in my cozy Hanoi hotel room, with Ken and the kids asleep, when the clock turned midnite on New Year’s Eve. What a 2010 it’s been for us. We feel like the turtle’s given a special blessing on us this year. Happy New Year, everyone!